Charleston has lost a jazz legend with the passing of Jack McCray.

McCray, who was not only a talented musician, dedicated three decades to examining and preserving the Charleston tradition through the prism of its jazz legacy and has wrote about jazz as a longtime reporter and editor at Charleston's Post and Courier.

The Jazz Artists of Charleston sent out this letter to subscribing members this morning in regards to McCray's passing:

It is with a heavy heart and enormous amount of sorrow that we send this news to our JAC family. We have all lost one of the best people to inhabit our world, our jazz angel, Mr. Jack McCray. We wanted to let our JAC family know as soon as possible. Jack adored you ALL and was so grateful for the opportunity to share his life's passion and work with each and every one of you. He found victory and unbelievable joy in our ever-growing jazz family. What a gift HE was to all of us. Please keep his immediate and extended families and wide-reaching network of friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers. We will keep you all informed as we are able. Thank you for your prayers, love and support.